All you need to do is…RUN!

Easy tips for women to balance health and fitness with their busy schedule.

Running is the most cost and health effective way to stay fit. All you need to do is, RUN! (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

Mumbai: Women never have it easy, be it work or maintaining their fitness levels. To juggle between a thriving career, happy family, their social life, managing their physical and mental health, is a constant challenge for women. In the constant quest to strike a balance, they tend to lose out on some or the other aspect. But why should one have to compromise one for another?!

Mostly women don’t take up any physical activity proactively as it involves too much time, effort, energy and money. But with lifestyle diseases on the rise, women are becoming aware of the need to focus on their physical health in order to be able to excel on all other fronts.

Finding the right exercise that fits one’s busy schedule and doesn’t come at an exorbitant cost has been a constant question. Here is the answer – RUN!

Everyone knows that running is a great way to get into shape, but it also can benefit almost every part of your body and lift your mood. Invest in good pair of running shoes and that’s all it needs to have ‘a sound mind in a sound body’. Running is the most cost and health effective way to stay fit. All you need to do is, RUN!

For a beginner, it all starts with preconditioning, the first phase in your running schedule, this will prepare you for the heavier training as you prepare your body to be fitter. The aim is to start slowly and build up. It gets your muscles ready for longer distances and helps you avoid injury later.

Start Early: Mornings are the best time for a quick run. Listen to your body and give yourself ample time to warm up and get comfortable.

Eat no later than an hour before the start: You cannot run without fuel, but eating too close to starting time will only cause cramps.

Have a hydration plan for long distance races: Once you are used to running shorter distances, it is time to gear up for longer distance, it is imperative to stay hydrated on the run. Always carry your bottle while on the run.

The Right Pair: The most crucial aspect of running are the shoes that you wear choose, shoes that give you maximum support and protection with every step to maintain comfortable running even over long distances. For all the amateur runners, ASICS has the best shoes that improves fit between the shoe and the heel by restricting displacement. Its focal point is on the heel clutching system, enhances stability and performance during the run.

Dress for the climate: Check out the weather forecast for the day and dress appropriately. The summers call for a sweat absorbing gear to keep you dry as that is crucial in running long distances.

Find energy in the pack: Pair up with someone if that helps you improve your running game. When you are feeling tired it helps to use the pace of other runners around you to keep going. Another useful tactic is to pick out someone not too far ahead of you and try to catch them.

Enjoy it: It is not about how fast you run; rather how long can you run. You are your biggest competition and that should be your focus. Start small and prepare yourself as you set a higher benchmark for yourself.

*Disclaimer: This article has been contributed by Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director at ASICS INDIA. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Deccan Chronicle, and Deccan Chronicle does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.